Actor Bernard Cribbins dies aged 93

[Emrys]

One of those deaths you knew would come eventually, but nevertheless dreaded.

The news has been greeted by great outpourings of affection mixed with sorrow on social media. I think he did know he was very widely loved, which is a comfort.

His appearance as the hotel guest Mr Hutchinson in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Hotel Inspectors" was a gem of a cameo, and John Cleese later said Cribbins's performance had been so good he'd forced him to up his game to match. I think I'm right in saying that Mr Hutchinson was the only guest ever to have enjoyed the privilege of beating up Basil Fawlty, though Fawlty later got his own back in spectacular fashion, while still contriving to end up the loser.

Here's a snippet:

Link to tweet

Dave Lee
@davelee1968

In honour of Cribbins, they should reserve the BBC2 channel tonight and show this televisual feast.

[Twitter video]

More details about a very long career that thrived to the end here.

[John1956PA]

1. I enjoyed his acting when I saw his movie performances many years ago.

I recall watching "The Railway Children" when it aired on Christmas night in the early 1970s. Mr. Cribbins portrayed his character's role with elegance and humanity. In the movies of his which I watched, his acting talent in a diverse range of roles was extraordinary.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. He was Jackanory, to me

Best storyteller there was.